Summertime Fun Hodgepodge

We are "lakin" it this week in the Hodgepodge! Join in the fun with the questions from Joyce and link up at From This Side of the Pond!

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

I think your lake looks pretty inviting. Is there a clear lake somewhere with a sandy bottom, and no snakes or gators? I would think that might be up north somewhere so that would be my choice. 

I found this on the Internet.

Sliding Rock

North Carolina

But then I remembered what a blast we had at Turner Falls, Oklahoma. It wasn't a lake, but a great place to swim. Very cool under the falls.

That's Jason climbing up the ladder. 

He busted his knee pretty good on this trip.

When we were kids, Daddy would take us to either the White River or War Eagle River in Arkansas to "swim." None of us could swim, but we all had a great time splashing in the river. 

As an adult, my late husband and I camped every year for two weeks on Lake Ouachita. All the family would set up camp and every day we would load up our boats and head out for our favorite island. We would spend the day floating on the lake, water skiing, lazing on the beach, hiking on the island, and cooking out over a campfire before going back to our campsite in the evening. Nice memories ... except for the rattlesnakes! Our miniature dachshunds loved camping.

photo credit
Lake Ouachita

Our boat loaded up at 6:30 a.m.

fishing boat

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? 

I don’t drink fruity drinks, but I do remember having some good strawberry tea in a local tea room.

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simply your life. They were-clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead.

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple?

Cleaning as I go. It’s best to always leave the room the way it should be.

Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

I need to clean up my computer, delete a ton of emails and pictures, and unsubscribe. I have tried to unsubscribe many times, but sometimes I think they ignore my request because the emails continue. Delete, delete, delete.

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? 

I began job searching even before graduation and landed one in an insurance company. After being there two months as a floater, I was promoted to Secretary to the Comptroller. So I worked in downtown Tulsa, enjoyed every single day of it and bought my first car. I also spent a lot of weekends at the lake house my friend's parents owned.

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? 

No. As I work in the house, sometimes I listen to teaching on the radio, but most usually when I am in the car. My favorites on the radio would be David Jeremiah or Jack Graham. 

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

That’s tough to say. It depends on the person, the marriage, the kids, the environment, and their own personal discipline to be consistent. I think fathers may have it easier in some ways such as providing better material things for their family, but my main concern is it is getting more difficult to teach values to them and be able to shield and protect their children from all the world is bombarding them with. Parents are competing with too many outside distractions and ideals being pushed on the kids that are morally wrong.

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?

My dad was a man faithful to his commitments, and I trust I have that quality, too.

My Dad

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The Orlando tragedy was indeed a tragedy. I am moved by the thought that not one of the people injured or killed had any inkling that day that their lives would end or be drastically changed by the event. Someone who was on the scene remarked that everyone was having a good time and just getting ready to have their last drink before closing. They didn't realize it would be the last one they would ever have. This weighs on my mind.

None of us know when our last day on this earth will be. Be ready. That's why the Bible says, 

"Do not boast about tomorrow,

For you do not know what a day may bring forth." 

(Proverbs 27:1) 

Be ready! How? God has already provided the way of salvation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died to save us from our sins and rose again from the dead to give us new life. Through faith in Him you can be prepared for the life beyond.

Jesus Christ promises,“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. (John 5:24).

Be ready! When? “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Now! 

Tomorrow may be too late!